U.Va. Bookstore To Host Autograph Session With NFLs Aaron Brooks And James Farrior

July 13, 2005 --
National Football League players and University alumni Aaron Brooks and James Farrior will be on hand to sign autographs on July 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the U.Va. Bookstore, above the Central Grounds Parking Garage, 400 Emmet St. South, The event is open to the public, and parking in the Central Grounds Parking Garage is free from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., courtesy of U.Va. Parking and Transportation.

Brooks’ and Farrior’s appearance kicks off a new partnership between the bookstore and Hampton and Harrison, LLC, owned by local businessman Torrance Hampton and former U.Va. football star Chris Harrison. This will provide cell phone sales and service on Grounds and will also allow University departments to purchase cell phones on state contract.

“All of us at the bookstore are excited to host this event,” said Jon Kates, executive director of the bookstore. “We look forward to joining the community in welcoming these two former U.Va. and current NFL greats. We also thank Nextel for helping us make this possible.”

“Chris and I are excited about our partnership with the U.Va. Bookstore and for the opportunity to bring back two outstanding U.Va. alums,” said Hampton, managing partner and vice president of sales for Hampton and Harrison. “As Nextel-authorized representatives, we look forward to serving and being part of the U.Va. and Charlottesville communities.”

Aaron Brooks was a three-year letter earner for U.Va. at quarterback (1996-1998) and ranks in the top five in almost all of U.Va.’s career passing categories. Brooks and Shawn Moore are the only quarterbacks in U.Va. history to throw for more than 2,000 yards in more than one season. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1999 and traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2000, Brooks has emerged as one of the stars in the NFL. In four seasons, Brooks already ranks in the top three in every major Saints passing category. Brooks also has written a children’s book aimed for youth ages 7-12 called “Aaron Brooks: Rise Above,” which chronicles his struggles to get to where he is today.

James Farrior lettered all four years (1993-1996) for U.Va. and became the starting left outside linebacker his sophomore year. An honorable mention All-ACC selection that year, Farrior went on to place on the Second Team All-ACC team his junior year and First Team All-ACC as a senior. He ranks fifth on U.Va.’s all-time tackle chart with 381. Farrior was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets where he blossomed as one of the game’s top young linebackers. Farrior left for Pittsburgh as a free agent in 2002, and has since emerged as an NFL star. Last season, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl team and was named the Steelers team MVP.

For more information on this event, please visit the bookstore’s Web site at www.uvabookstores.com.

Contact: Patrick Perkins, (434) 924-1496

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